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Perennials, Annuals and Vegetables
If by chance you missed last fall's selection of spring-blooming bulbs, we have a cheery assortment of both the classic favorites and some more unusual treats, all potted up and in bloom and ready to enjoy (and add into your garden when their bloom is finished). We also have lots of pansies in stock, so come in and treat yourself to some of these knockout colors to liven up borders and containers.
Clean out spent window boxes and revitalize them with annuals and early blooming perennials.
Take wintered-over fuschias and geraniums out of hiding. Cut them back (down to the rim of the container, if in a hanging basket) Lift them out of the container and repot with fresh soil, no need to change containers as long as the plant isn't root-bound. Feed with an organic, slow-release fertilizer like those by Whitney Farms. It will be broken down and ready for the plant when it begins this year's growth.
Resist the urge to cut down or tie up the foliage of tulips and daffodils after they are finished blooming! The bulbs extract and store the nutrients from the leaves for next year's growth and bloom, so by cutting back too soon you risk next year's flowers, and by tying them up you decrease their ability to photosynthesize and create the food they need to store. Unsightly for a time, perhaps, but once the leaves are at least halfway died back they can be trimmed.
It may seem early to think about summer, but come to the nursery and take advantage of our huge selection of summer-blooming bulbs, corms and tubers. We have gladiolas, dahlias, iris, lilies, crocosmia, and many, many more! Plus we've included some spring favorites like anemones and lily-of-the-valley, and an enticing assortment of bare-root perennials for shade to give you even more of a head start on this year's garden.
Slugs... need we say more? We recommend using 'Worry Free' granules to stop the damage from these garden pests (not harmful to pets and birds).
Time to feed those perennials that have started to show themselves in earnest and begin their spring growth spurt. Whitney Farms All-Purpose (5-5-5) or Rose and Flower (4-6-2) fertilizer will work well for most plantings. Give us a call if you have any questions about feeding specific plants.
And while you're at it, it's still a great time to dig up and divide those late-season perennials (move 'em and feed 'em).
Put in plant stakes, peony cages, other supports now, while the plants are still small and manageable. This year we have a line of green wire cages for peonies, tomatoes, and larger perennials — they'll disappear into your landscape more readily while keeping your plants standing tall.
Start those hot-weather lovers like tomatoes, peppers and zinnias indoors from seed. Portland Nursery has seed from nearly a dozen seed companies, so there is something in food and flower for every taste!
For the indoor gardener! Portland Nursery now offers lighting supplies for indoor gardening and seed starting by Sun Systems — and their catalog available for easy ordering of those more unusual items not on hand.
If you already have some early plants started from seed that you are ready to put out in the garden, be sure to harden them off in a cold frame, bright corner of an unheated basement or garage, or in a protected corner of the porch for a few days, first. Gradually getting them used to the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors is key to their success.
It will be time before you know it to think about planting out those tomatoes and other summer vegetables. You can get an early start on their establishing outdoor growth with the help of Aqua Domes, Hot Caps and Walls-O-Water. Come to the nursery to get the jump on summer!
While the weather is still somewhat dry, prepare vegetable beds for later planting. Go ahead and plant out salad greens this month, though, along with spinach, chard and other leafy vegetables (watch out for slugs).
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Lawn Care
Bring out the lawn mower (what do you mean you haven't sharpened and oiled it yet?). You may have noticed that the lawn has taken a leap in height with these warmer days. Leave the clippings on the ground to break down and provide some free nitrogen for the soil.
Fertilize, de-thatch, and aerate. Test the pH of the soil and add lime if it's too acidic.
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Trees, Shrubs and Fruit
Time to feed roses, too. Side dress with Whitney Farms Rose & Flower Food for a season of healthy growth. Watch out for black spot and powdery mildew — catch it before it sets in and treat your plants with one of our neem oil products, like Green Light Rose Defense.
Been thinking about berry pies, making your own wine, canning cherries? Our selection of small fruits and fruit trees is at its peak, so now is a good time to get these edibles and put them in the ground! Tempting cane berries, strawberries (start a strawberry jar with the kids), blueberries galore. Grapes are both abundantly beautiful and tasty, if you have a bit more space. This spring, we offer choices in both table grapes and wine grapes.
Plant a tree (or large shrub) for Arbor Day (April 3rd)! Our selection this month is terrific, with a wide range of types and sizes to choose from!
Fertilize those early-spring bloomers that are about done for this year, but gathering nutrients to store up for next year's show, like Forsythias and Camellias. When their bloom is finished, most likely by the end of the month, it is the perfect time to prune them as well, before they set buds for next year's flowers.
Root weevils have been spotted! Beneficial nematodes are terrific predators for these garden pests, but soil temperatures have to be above 50 degrees for them to be effective. We're watching the thermometer carefully, so give us a call. As soon as the time is right, we'll have nematodes in stock!
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Indoor Plants
Wash the leaves of indoor plants and check / treat for pests and diseases. If you suspect you have a problem with a plant and are not sure what it is, bring a sample to our Info Desk. We carry a full line of safe products for houseplants and tropicals.
It's time to be feeding most indoor plants, as they are probably actively putting on growth. We have several types of indoor plant food, and recommend Whitney Farm's Ellie's liquid as a good all-around fertilizer. Give us a call if you have questions on feeding or care of specific indoor plants.
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General Tips
Even though we have had plenty of precipitation coming into this spring, it is still important to get into the water-wise gardening habit! Wise water use is a good idea at any time, and efficient use of water is important not only for the preservation of resources and the health of your plants, but for the health of your summer water bills, as well! Think about switching your sprinkler system to one of soaker hoses or drip irrigation — we are well-stocked and ready to help you get started!
Here's a list for ways to more efficiently use water in your garden:
- Mulch.
- Water deeply and less frequently, instead of often and shallowly.
- Water early in the day.
- Wherever you can, use soaker hoses or drip irrigation system.
- If you use sprinklers, don't set them so high that they give off a mist, which will just uselessly evaporate away.
Rain barrels are very popular this year, so come to the nursery and get yours (or give one as a gift for your water-wise friends and family).
Use mosquito dunks to keep those pests under control in your pond.
Our Division Street location has a nice selection of pond and water plants, as well as a full line of pond supplies — check out the May Calendar page for information on an informal all-day free pond seminar!
Ladybugs will in stock around mid-month (temperature-determined). Call for availability of this beneficial insect for your garden, and about other beneficials that are available on order through the nursery.
Average last frost date is April 15 (also Tax Day, though probably no connection).
This is a GREAT month for plant sales! Watch the newspaper AND our website's calendar for notices about sales and events.
And last, but not least, Portland Nursery is packed with plants for every taste, so come for a visit and help us celebrate spring!
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